Dan Henderson: “I don’t plan on wasting this opportunity.”

UFC light heavyweight Dan Henderson has accomplished an incredible amount throughout his athletic journey. From Olympic success as an amateur wrestler to championships in PRIDE/Strikeforce, the 41-year old has had a career other fighters dream of including wins against some of the best competitors MMA has ever seen.

However, one belt eluding him thus far has been a UFC title, a problem Henderson is out to rectify atUFC 151 when he faces divisional king Jon Jones.

“I don’t plan on wasting this opportunity. I plan on making the best of it and making sure that I come out on top no matter what it takes,” explained Henderson in an interview with the UFC promoting the September 1 scrap.

As far as how “Hendo” is approaching his goal, the seasoned veteran pointed to the need to avoid some of Jones’ creativity on the striking front and turn things into a good ol’ fashioned fight.

“I feel like things I need to watch out for most are his elbows, his knees, and a little bit of his kicks. I’m not so concerned about his hands,” said Henderson. “Once I’m inside and tight with him I’m planning on definitely putting him on his back, seeing how he fights from there.”

“I think he’s a little bit cocky. If you keep thinking you’re much better than you are, you’re gonna get caught in a spot you shouldn’t,” he added.

The 29-8 Henderson is currently on a four-fight winning streak with consecutive victories over the likes of Fedor Emelianenko and Mauricio Rua. He has finished more than half of the opponents he’s beaten while only suffering three stoppages himself.

@ Mad_Hatter,
What other game plan is there? It’s not like anybody else in the sport, let alone the division, can hang with Jones from the outside. He’s too long to keep at bay, he’s too quick for straight boxing, and trading kicks is a fools errand. Working from the inside and trying to put him on his back is gonna be the only way to beat this guy until someone with similar dimensions comes along.